Butter Pecan Cookies

Butter pecan is a timeless flavor combination that never fails to satisfy. With these Butter Pecan Cookies, you get the best of both worlds crunchy toasted pecans and rich, buttery goodness wrapped in a chewy, golden cookie. If you’re someone who loves the cozy comfort of a homemade cookie paired with the crunch of nuts and the smooth flavor of butter, this recipe will become your go-to.

These cookies aren’t just a sweet snack; they’re a love letter to anyone who enjoys the classic flavors of butter and pecans combined into one perfect bite. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, a holiday cookie exchange, or simply as a treat for yourself, Butter Pecan Cookies are an irresistible choice.

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Ingredients: What You’ll Need

To ensure you bake the perfect batch, gather these ingredients. Each one has a vital role to play in creating that signature butter pecan flavor and texture.

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to a rich, buttery cookie is to start with softened butter. This will give your cookies a smooth texture and help them achieve that perfect golden-brown color as they bake.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar adds moisture to the dough, contributing to the cookies’ chewy texture while also infusing a subtle molasses flavor.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Granulated sugar helps balance the sweetness and adds a slight crispness to the edges of the cookies.
• 2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness to the dough, helping the cookies rise and giving them a tender crumb.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances all the flavors, giving the cookies a warm and inviting aroma.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, flour provides structure and ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise, giving them a soft and chewy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of butter and pecans.
• 1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped: Toasting the pecans enhances their natural nutty flavor, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.
• 1/2 cup butter pecan-flavored chips (optional): These chips, if you can find them, add an extra layer of butter-pecan flavor, making each bite even more indulgent.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the baking process. The steps are easy to follow, but the result is anything but ordinary. With each step, you’re building flavor and texture, ensuring that these cookies will be the perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and buttery.

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Toasting the pecans is essential to bringing out their deep, nutty flavor. It’s a simple process but makes all the difference in these cookies.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread 1 1/2 cups of pecans evenly on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single layer to ensure even toasting.
3. Bake the pecans for 7-10 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning. You’ll know they’re ready when they become fragrant and slightly darker in color.
4. Remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool completely before chopping. Toasting them while they’re still whole helps preserve their natural oils and keeps them from getting too brittle.

Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on the pecans while they’re toasting. Nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burned in a matter of minutes, so don’t wander too far from the oven!

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

This is where the magic happens. Creaming the butter and sugar creates the perfect foundation for your cookies, while the combination of dry and wet ingredients results in a dough that is rich, flavorful, and easy to work with.

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer for best results, and beat for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies rise and giving them a tender texture.
2. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to add warmth and depth to the flavor.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.
4. Gently fold in the toasted, chopped pecans and the butter pecan-flavored chips (if using). Stir until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Pro Tip: If you want extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a hint of spice that complements the toasted pecans.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough is a vital step that prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in a thick, chewy cookie with a soft center.

1. Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though an hour or even overnight is ideal. Chilling not only firms up the dough, making it easier to shape, but also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in more flavorful cookies.

Pro Tip: If you’re in a hurry, place the dough in the freezer for about 15 minutes instead of refrigerating it. This will firm it up faster without compromising the flavor or texture.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Now that your dough is properly chilled, you’re ready to bake. Get ready for the sweet, nutty aroma of freshly baked cookies to fill your kitchen!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if it isn’t still preheated from toasting the pecans.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
3. Scoop out 1 ½ tablespoon portions of dough for each cookie. Roll them into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
4. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. You want the cookies to be slightly underbaked in the center to achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Pro Tip: For extra-large cookies, use a 3-tablespoon scoop and extend the baking time by 2-3 minutes. These jumbo-sized cookies are perfect for sharing—or for a decadent personal treat!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once your cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling period allows the cookies to firm up, making them easier to transfer.

Now, it’s time to enjoy your creation! These Butter Pecan Cookies are best served slightly warm when the centers are still soft, and the flavors of butter and pecan are at their peak.

Tips for the Best Butter Pecan Cookies

Here are a few extra tips to help you bake the best possible cookies every time:

• Pecan Perfection: Always toast the pecans before adding them to the dough. Toasting deepens their flavor, making them more aromatic and enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This allows the ingredients to combine more easily, resulting in a smoother, more cohesive dough.
• Adjust for Altitude: If you’re baking at a high altitude, you may need to increase the amount of flour slightly or reduce the baking soda to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
• Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, let the cookies cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.

Conclusion: A Cookie to Savor and Share

Butter Pecan Cookies are more than just a dessert they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that come together to create something truly special. The buttery richness of the dough, combined with the nutty crunch of toasted pecans, makes these cookies a standout treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a cookie swap, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies will be a hit. The optional butter pecan-flavored chips add an extra layer of indulgence, but even without them, the natural flavors of butter and pecans shine through in every bite. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even on their own they’re that good!